I love the smell of tomato vines. It is my favorite smell either. I planted an early batch of tomatoes and finally got them transplanted today after they were way past the seed-leaf stage. I start all my seeds in trays with a seedling mix until they sprout and get those first two seed leaves (and longer if I don’t get around to it) and then put them in their final container. It works well. I’ve been mildly interested in what others do. I’m trying to remember what we did the time I took Greenhouse management and worked in the greenhouse. I think we seeded stuff in vermiculite in grooved trays, and after that transplanted to the final growing pot. Elsewhere I’ve seen soil bl0cks, plug trays, and an assortment of odd containers.

I was wondering about the small plastic tops that are frequently put on top of a seed tray. Something like that is absolutely essential for cuttings, but is it really needed for seedlings? I couldn’t remember using them (I think we might have, but I’m not sure), so I went to look it up. And found out that I sold my greenhouse textbook. This is the second time I’ve gone looking for information in it. Maybe its time to buy it again. I used my other basic horticulture textbook. It mentions using the top, or putting a plastic bag or saran wrap. It does help keep in the humidity and prevent it from drying out. I think the benefit only extends until shortly the first leaf development. I haven’t used anything. My soil retains moisture very well (wetting agents help), and I spray it down when I see it drying out. Everything is germinating quickly and well.

What do you do to start seeds?